Apparatus for continuously producing packages of produce



APPARATUS Fon GONTINUOUSLY PRoDUcING PACKAGES oF PRODUCE Filed Aug. 23, 1968 June 23, 1970 L. D. BAKER ETAL 3 Sheets-,Sheet 1 www June 23, 1970 3,516,227

APPARATUS Fon couTINuousLY Paonuome PACKAGES oF PRODUCE Filed Aug. 25. 1968 L. D. BAKER ETAL 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Baker m. GQ

A9/'0)l Wil/lam 5. Papp/er KAR L KU 'FLOCJLS ATTORNEY June 23, 1970 L, D, BAKER ETAL 3,516,227

APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCING PACKAGES OF PRODUCE Filed Aug. 25, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 T f s N w P. n m Il. w D. n n 1 W L A 1M. P r. a 5. mw au m L y n m m m m \1 v e s m u l. W E ww .x/ NR RNV, '."mn Euhm;

United States Patent O Int. Cl. B65b 7/28 U.S. Cl. 53--306 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatus for indexing lled baskets of produce in relation to indexed tlat, cap blanks, and conveying the baskets through a path of travel orienting the cap blanks onto the baskets and erecting the caps into a prism-like configuration securing the caps to the baskets to form a completed commercial package.

Fresh produce, particularly berries, i.e., strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc., are seasonal and perishable, must be protected after having been picked, and it is substantially imperative that they be protectively packaged as soon as possible after they are ready for market. Because of the `use of relatively unskilled seasonal labor during the picking season, though careful handling is desired, it is at times ditlicult to effect. Not only is it desirable that these products be handled carefully, `but it is important that the product be packaged attractively (so it will sell as rapidly as possible) and the product should be protected whereby packages can be stacked in transport cartons without damage to the product or package, and reach the consumer outlets in a readily merchandisable condition.

Due to rising costs in labor and transportation, perishable character of the products, it is extremely important to have available automatic, fresh produce packaging apparatus. Since the products are more often than not packaged in the eld, or close to where they are picked, and skilled maintenance men are not readily available and/or delays must be avoided, it is important that the automatic apparatus not only be practical and eticient, but relatively uncomplicated in function and construction, and requiring a minimum of maintenance and repair.

Primary objects of the present invention are to provide automatic produce packaging apparatus incorporating the criteria mentioned above; to provide automatic produce packaging apparatus including means for conveying a lled produce tray to an index position whereafter it is transported into engagement with an indexed cap-lid blank, and these elements are transported together through means connecting and forming the cap blank into a prismlike configuration integral with and straddling the iilled tray.

These together with other objects and the nature and advantages of the invention Willbecome apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings forming part hereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a substantially diagrammatic, side elevational view of the apparatus of the invention, portions broken away and shown in section for purposes of clarity, and showing alternate positions of the components by means of phantom lines;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, horizontal section taken on the plane of line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary diagrammatic elevational View showing the index positions of a cap blank and heaped-full basket of produce;

FIG. 4 is a View similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the manner in which the indexed cap blank and lled basket are 3,516,227` Patented June 23, 1970 transported into assembled package-forming relationship;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cap blank;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a complete produce-package produced in the apparatus of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical section taken on the plane of line 7 7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the completed produce package;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic side elevational view, with portions removed, showing the power-operating components for the basket conveying and adhesively applying components of the apparatus, looking at the side opposite that shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. l0 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic elevational View of a portion of FIG. 9, showing alternate positions of the parts; and

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top plan view taken substantially from the plane of line 11--11 of FIG. 9.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and iirst considering FIGS. 5-8, an exemplary cap or lid blank is indicated generally at 10 and comprises a substantially planar body element 12 produced from paperboard, plastic laminates, etc.

The blank is suitably cut and scored and includes a central octagonal viewing aperture 14 having relatively long margins 16 and angularly related corner margins 18. A sheet of substantially transparent material 20 is peripherally secured to the undersurface of the blank, in any suitable manner, to permit viewing of the package contents as Well as protecting the same when the package is completed; see FIG. 8. Radiating from the terminal ends of margins 18 are converging pairs of score lines 22 forming triangular segments 24 and polygonal segments 26; the latter paralleling margins 16. The segments 26 extend beyond the apex 28 of the triangular segments 24 and form triangular notches 30 which will form ventilation and/or viewing apertures in the completed package; see FIG. 8.

The segments 26 are bordered at their outer edge 32 -by a score line hingedly connecting the segments 26 to securing flaps 34 which are relieved or angled inwardly at 36 away from the terminal ends of the fold lines.

The blank 10 is so proportioned with respect to the upper margin 38 of a berry basket or tray 40' so that when the iiaps 34 are secured to the outer surface of the margin 38, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the triangular segments 24 and polygonal segments 26 will extend in prismlike relation angularly from the margin of aperture 14; forming a horizontal support platform or plateau comprising the peripheral margin deiined by the viewing aperture 14 and the material '20. The completed package 44 will include ventilation and/or viewing apertures 30', and the relieved ends 36 of the securing iiaps accommodate the cap or lid to the corners of the basket 40. Further, this package is not `only attractive, but the customer receives a heaped portion of the product which is protected even when the packages are stacked in packing and shipping cases.

As Will become apparent, trays or baskets 44, filled with a measured portion of a fresh product, berries B or the like, will be continuously conveyed to an indexed position, Whereafter an elevator means raises the basket and product into contact with an indexed overlying cap blank 12, Whereafter the caps are simultaneously secured to the tray edge 38 and formed into a three-dimensional configuration having a prism-like, appearance, i.e., having a diamond-like appearance.

Referring to FIGS. 1 4, the package producing apparatus is indicated generally at i' and comprises a suitable support frame 102. Mounted on the frame is a horizontally disposed conveyor means 104, vertically disposed elevator means 105, cap blank supply means 106, cap blank transport means 108, and cap blank forming and securing means 110.

The conveyor means 104 comprises a pair of transversely spaced, endless link chains 112 (only one shown) having secured transversely thereof, and spaced longitudinally therealong, outwardly projecting abutment elements 114 for engaging the filled produce baskets 40 and conveying them along the upper run 116 of the conveyor while supported on a horizontal, skeletonized support platform v118 above which portions of elements 114 project. The upper run and/or support platform define a horizontal path of travel for the iilled baskets 40 as they move towalrd an index position for subsequent handling by the apparatus.

The iilled baskets 40 are deposited in the rightmost position 40', see FIG. 1, in any s-uitable manner, i.e., manually or mechanically by means of suitable conveyors.

The chains '112 are driven in the direction shown by the direction arrow on FIG. l in any suitable manner, for example, they are mounted on suitable sprockets carried on transverse support shafts 119 and 119'; the former being a driven shaft operatively connected to a drive chain '1.22 and drive motor 124.

Extending parallel to the horizontal path of travel defined by the upper [run of the chains 112 and the skeletonized support platform 118 are suitable support or guide rods 126 .suitably xed to the support frame of the apparatus and engageable .generally beneath the peripheral flange or rim. 38 of the trays 40'.

The elevator means 105; see FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises in this exemplary embodiment, endless link chain 128 entrained over a drive sprocket keyed to shaft 120 and an 'upper support sprocket 132 suitably mounted on the support frame of the apparatus.

Since the motor 124 will drive the conveyor chains 112 as Well as the support chain 128, it will be appreciated that a timed lrelationshipy for indexing filled berry baskets and elevating the same can be determined and maintained.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the motor 124 is mounted on frame 102 in any suitable manner and is operatively connected through a transmission-pulley-and-belt drive 123 to an electric clutch 125 operatively connected to drive chain 122.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 9 and l0, the chain 122 is entrained over a sprocket 300 keyed onto a timing shaft 302, suitably journalled on frame 102 and extending transversely beneath the upper run 116 of the conveyor chain 112. Fixed to the shaft 302 is a radially-extending crank or levelr 304, which will be rotated continuously, in the direction indicated by the direction arrow on FIG. 9, when clutch 125 is engaged.

Mounted on the support frame 102, in spaced relation from timing shaft 302 is a first ratchet drive 306- comprising a support shaft 308 having keyed thereon a drive sprocket 310 engaging the upper run 116` of conveyor chains 11,2.

Journalled for free rotation on shaft 308 is a toothed Wheel 312 having a pivotal dog element 314 mounted thereon. In coplanar relation with the dog element 314, is a diametrically-notched drive element 316 keyed to shaft 308 and having diametrically opposed notches 318 engageable by the terminal end of dog element 314. The dog element 314 can be spring-urged toward the outer periphery of drive element 316.

The toothed wheel 312 will include a suitable hub -upon which coiled return spring 320 will be circumposed, the terminal ends of the spring being connected to a portion of the support frame 102 and the wheel 312. As will become apparent, the wheel 312 will first be rotated in one direction 180 during 180 of rotation of lever or crank 304 (see FIG. 9) and during the next 180 of rotation of crank 304, the wheel 312 will reverse direction (see FIG. 10), and the coil spring will serve to urge the wheel 312 in an opposite or reversed direction, thus the shaft 308 will provide step-by-step movement to chain 112 4 i.e. run 116, when drive element 316 is driven by shaft 308 through Wheel 312 and dog element 314.

Indicated generally at 306 is a second ratchet drive mounted on shaft upon which drive sprocket 130 is keyed. The ratchet drive 306 includes a frreely journalled toothed wheel 312', a spring-urged dog 314', and diametrically-notched drive element 316 having notches 318 as in the ratchet drive 306. A coil spring 320 is operatively connected to toothed wheel 312.

The ratchet drives 306 and 306 are identical in construction and basic operation, however, they are 180 out of phase in operation, i.e., when wheel 312 is rotated clockwise, as seen in FIG. 9, the wheel 312 will be rotated counterclockwise, and these directions will be reversed, as seen in FIG. 10.

These reversed directions are afforded by drive linkchain segments 322 and 322', respectively, meshcd at outer ends on the upper and lower portions of freely journalled wheels 312 and 312. The link-chain segments 322 and 322 are respectively connected at their inner ends by longitudinally-adjustable turn-buckle rods 324 yand 324 which are pivotally connected at 326 to the drive crank or lever 304.

When the dog 314 engages one of the notches 318, and the wheel 312 is rotated clockwise, as seen in FIG. 9, the shaft 308 keyed to drive element 316 and having drive element 316 keyed thereon, will cause the upper run 116 of chains 112 to advance toward the right (FIG. 9) or toward left (FIG. 10). During this phase of operation, wheel 312 and dog 314 will be moving in a reverse direction, and dog 314 will slide over the periphery of drive element 316. The coil spring 320 will be tightened during this phase, while spring 320 (which was previously wound up) will aid the step-by-step rotation of wheel 312.

Maximum rotation or reverse rotation of the wheels 312 and 312 occurs when the crank or arm 304 is in longitudinal alignment with the link chain segments 322, 322', as seen in FIG. 10. When crank 304 rotates clockwise beyond the position shown in FIG. 10, the horizontal conveyor run 116 will no longer be moved, however, the ratchet drive 306 will be engaged to cause the shaft 120 to be rotated counterclockwise (FIG. 10) causing upward movement of run 148 of link-chain 128. The spring 320', during this phase of operation, lwill be rewound, While spring 320 will assist counter-rotation of toothed wheel 312.

Thus it will be observed that chains 112 and 128 will be sequentially moved in step-by-step, timed relation for progressively moving baskets from position 40' and 40". The specific step-by-step drive arrangement is to be considered exemplary, and equivalent step-by-step drives such as a reciprocating-shuttle, etc. could be used.

The support chain 128 has iixedly connected thereto, in spaced relation therealong, support members indicated generally at 134 and comprising a skeletonized platform portion 136 integral at one side with a support arm 138 iixedly connected at 140 to one side of the support chain 128; see FIG. 2. Incorporated between an arm 142 and chain 128 is a guide block 144 which includes a lateral opening 146. It will be noted that the elevator chain 128 includes an upwardly moving run 148 which defines a path of elevation for the support members 134, and suitably supported and disposed parallel and behind the upwardly moving run 148 is a guide bar 150. The guide bar 150 will be embraced by the lateral opening 146 in the guide blocks 144 as the support members 134 of the elevator means 105 are continuously moved vertically past and through the lid assembly and securing means indicated generally at 110.

The cap blank supply means 106 comprises a suitable hopper member 152 for incorporating therein a stack of cap blanks 12. The hopper member 152 is open at its bottom portion, generally overlying the conveyor means 104 and including means (not shown) at the lower open end 154 for removably retaining the cap blanks 12 therein, and the hopper member 152 is suitably supported on the support frame 102 of the apparatus.

The cap blank transport means 108 includes a support arm 156 intermediately pivoted on a support shaft 158 extending transversely of and suitably mounted on the apparatus frame 102. The lower terminal end of the arm 156 is pivotally connected at 160 to an adjustable force transmitting link 162, the other end of the link 162 being pivotally connected at 164 to a crank arm 166 carried on the timing shaft 302 as seen in FIG. 1. The arm 156 is pivotally connected to its upper end, at 170, to an adjustable thrust link 172 pivotally connected to a guide block 176 carried by a horizontally disposed guide rod 178; this rod extending parallel to and above the horizontal path of travel defined by the support platform 118. The block 176 has pivotally connected at 178 an elongated support tube 180 terminating in an upwardly disposed suction cup 182. Integral with the tubular support 180 is a depending lever 184 including a lower, lateral roller element 186 journalled thereon.

Suitably supported on the frame is a cam track element 188 (suitably mounted on the apparatus frame) and having an elongated guide path having an elongated portion 190 substantially parallel to the guide rod 178. The cam track portion 190 terminates at its right-most end in an enlarged portion 192. A suitable clamp 194 is mounted on the pivotal arm 156 and carries a flexible tube 196, connected at one end to a suitable source of negative pressure, i.e., vacuum pump 197, the other end of which is connected to the tubular support 180 at the end opposite the suction cup 182.

The support arm 156 is pivoted from the solid to the dotted line position shown in FIG. l, at the right-most position of its arm, the large portion 192 of the guide track of the cam means 188 will permit compound movement of the suction cup 182 causing it to engage the lowermost cap blank 12 in the hopper member 152. Pivotal movement of the support arm 156 from the dotted line position shown, to and beyond the solid line position shown, results in the lowermost cap blank 12 being removed from the hopper member 152, and being carried horizontally (guided) by the rod 178 to an index position immediately overlying a filled basket 40; see FIG. 1.

Underlying the index position of the cap blank 12", and comprising a portion of the cap blank forming and securing means 110 is an adhesive applying means indicated generally at 110. The adhesive applying means 110 comprises a substantially rectangularly conformed, upwardly opening glue pot 198 having a pre-melt portion for hot-melt applications of a suitable adhesive; the glue pot being suitably supported on the frame of the apparatus, and having a suitable opening 199 permitting the support chain 128 of the elevator means to pass therethrough.

The adhesive applying means 1.10 includes applicator lingers 200 periodically immersible in the upwardly open glue pot 198 and engageable beneath the four side edges of the cap blank 12; see FIGS. 1-3. The applicator fingers 200 are mounted intermediately of suitably journalled support shafts 202, disposed in right angular relationship, and synchronized for simultaneous movement by means of terminal intermeshed bevel gears 203, for example.

The timing shaft 302 has xed thereon a timing cam 205 including a radially projecting recess 204. Pivotally mounted at 206 on a support bracket 207 carried on the frame 102, is a lever 208 having a cam follower or roller 209 which will engage and follow the periphery of timing cam 205. Pivotally connected at 210 is a link 211 which is pivotally connected at 212 to a crank or lever 213 projecting radially, and secured to shaft 202'; for example.

As the shaft 302 rotates, the timing cam 204 will cause the follower 209 to oscillate the shafts 202 causing the fingers 200 to periodically oscillate between the positions shown in FIGS. 9 and l0.

As each cap blank 12 is indexed to the position 12", the applicator fingers 200 will apply a suitable adhesive to the undersurface of the index blank to condition it for engagement and securement to the peripheral margin 38 of the indexed, filled basket 40". As mentioned the glue pot 198 may include a pre-melt compartment for affording hot-melt applications of adhesive to the indexed cap blanks 12.

As each Support member 134 of the elevator means .105 passes beneath an indexed filled basket or tray 40", it receives this basket on the support portion 136 and carries it upwardly toward an indexed cap blank 12". Suitable guide plates 216 and 218 are disposed laterally of the path of the travel of the upwardly moving baskets 40 to more or less restrain these baskets as they move toward the indexed cap blanks 12.

The cap blank forming and securing means includes a forming chute or mandrel indicated generally at 220 directly overlying the indexed cap blanks 12" and defining a through-passage thereabove functioning as will subsequently be described.

The forming chute or mandrel 220 comprises four suitably supported, right angularly disposed support plates 222, 224, 226 and 228; the latter being notched or open at 230 to accommodate passage of the elevator support portions 142, 144 therethrough. Each of the plates 222- 228 has mounted thereon vertically extending pressure applying strips 232, disposed at right angular relationship and defining an area substantially complementary to the upper outer margin of the upper flange or rim 38 of the filled berry basket 40". As a practical matter, the strips 232 extend a slight distance within the area defined by the upper edge of the berry baskets for positively applying pressure. Each of the strips 232 is mounted on support shafts 234 reciprocably supported on the support plates 222-228 and is urged inwardly by means of compression springs 236, for example.

As a lled berry basket 40 is raised and engages an indexed cap blank 12, these two elements are moved simultaneously within the confines of the right angularly disposed pressure applying strips 232. When this occurs, the Securing liaps 34 of the cap blanks 12 will be disposed in depending relationship from the polygonal segments 26 of the package lid or cap (due to movement of the blanks into the smaller area chute), and the dimensions of the cap blank are such that when this folding occurs, the cap or lid will be formed into the configuration shown in FIG. 8 of the drawing. As the package moves within the forming chute 220, the pressure applying strips 232 will positively urge the securing aps 34 into mating relationship with the upper edge or rim 38 of the berry baskets, pressure constantly being applied so that the previously applied adhesive will adhere to the rim or flange of the berry basket.

As the uppermost support member 134' carries the uppermost package 44" to where the upper run 148 of the support chain 128 reverses its direction, ie., when the support member 134 assumes the position shown at 134, the completed package `44" will be received on a suitable conveying chute 240 which carries the completed packages 44" away from the apparatus.

Briefly in review, the baskets or trays 40 are iilled with produce such as barries B which have been washed, sorted, etc. These filled baskets are continuously conveyed in timed relation to an index position by means of the conveyor means 104. In timed relation, the elevator support member 134 moves beneath the indexed baskets 40, raising the baskets vertically toward an indexed cap blank 12 which has been removed from the hopper member 152 and positioned by the cap blank transport means 108. The indexed blanks 12" will have been previously conditioned with a suitable adhesive 7 (hot-melt preferred) prior to engagement by the upwardly moving, lled baskets 40".

After the basket and produce `40" engages the indexed cap blanks 12, the forming chute or mandrel 220 simultaneously erects or orients the cap blank 12" into its nal prism-like or diamond-like appearance shown in FIG. 8, wherein the securing aps 34 of the blank pressingly engage the sides of the basket rim 38 and at the same time maintaining pressure of these flaps 34 during the entire interval of travel through the forming chute. As the formed blank and its securing llaps are maintained in intimate contact with the lled berry basket, the adhesive, if hot, cools, and in any event in integral connection is produced whereby completed packages 44 are formed. The completed packages `44 are then automatically conveyed away from the apparatus by means of chute or conveyor 240, for example.-

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for continuously producing capped produce packages comprising a three-dimensional lid, in combination:

conveyor means for moving trays filled with produce along a path of travel toward an index position; lid-blank supply means disposed above said conveyor means,

said lid-blank supply means including lid transport means for indexing a planar lid-blank above the index position of said filled trays; endless-conveyor, elevating means including at least one support portion periodically movable through said index position for engaging and moving a filled tray from its index position toward an indexed lid-blank;

lid forming-and-assembly-and-securing means disposed above said index position, indexed trays and lid-blank having a portion through which said elevating means. support portion periodically passes for shaping the lids, assembling them on the filled trays, and securing them to the iilled trays to form a complete package; and

means disposed between the index position of said lled trays and said indexed lid-blank for connecting the lid-blank to a filled tray as the trays are elevated whereby the lid is integrally connected to a tray as it is carried through said lid forming-and-assemblyand-securing means, said means for connecting comprising adhesive applicator means spaced at said lidblank index position for periodically engaging a lidblank and applying adhesive thereto.

2. A combination as claimed in claim 1, including package conveyor means disposed in the path of travel of said elevating means support portion for carrying completed packages away from said support portion.

3. The combination as claimed in claim 1, in which said cap blank supply means comprises a hopper member directed toward said conveyor means.

4. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said elevating means comprises a vertically disposed endless conveyor having a plurality of laterally extending support members secured to and projecting therefrom, said support members having a path of movement through the index position of the trays and lid blank.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which said lid forming-and-assembly-and-securing means comprises a tubular structure having a cross sectional area substantially complementary to an upper portion of the tray.

6. The combination as claimed in claim 5, in which said tubular structure comprises a plurality of elongated plates including means resiliently urging the plates toward each other.

7. Apparatus for continuously producing capped produce package comprising a three-dimensional lid, in combination:

conveyor means for moving trays lled with produce along a path of travel toward an index position; lid-blank supply means disposed above said conveyor means,

said lid-blank supply means including lid transport means for indexing a planar lid-blank above the index position of said lled trays; endless-conveyor, elevating means including at least one support portion periodically movable through said index position for engaging and moving a lled tray from its index position toward an indexed lid-blank; lid forming-and-assembly-and-securing means disposed above said index position, indexed trays and lid-blank having a portion through which said elevating means support portion periodically passes for shaping the lids, assembling them on the lled trays, and securing them to the filled trays to form a complete package; and means disposed between the index position of said lled trays and said indexed lid-blank for connecting the lid-blank to a lled tray as the trays are elevated whereby the lid is integrally connected to a tray as it is carried through said lid forming-and-assemblyand-securing means, said means for connecting comprising adhesive applicator means spaced at said lidblank index position for periodically engaging a lidblank and applying adhesive thereto;

said lid-blank supply means comprising a hopper member directed toward said conveyor means; said lid-blank transport means comprising an articulated, suction-operated conveyor arm including means providing a compound movement to said conveyor arm between said hopper member and said lid-blank index position. 8. The combination as claimed in claim 7, in which said last mentioned means comprises a guide cam and guide rod mechanism operatively connected to said conveyor arm and defining a cycle of compound movement to said conveyor arm.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,848,856 S/1958 Brock 53-287 2,955,400 10/1960 Levkoif 53-287 X 3,020,691 2/1962 Oxborrow 53--375 X TRAVIS S. MCGEHEE, Primary Examiner i Us. c1. xn. 53-312, 387 

